Slate Digital VMS ML-1 Large-Diaphragm Modeling Microphone Slate

Slate Digital ML-1 mic no longer require an iLok dongle and can be activated using the iLok Cloud service!

The Slate Digital ML-1 is a phantom-powered, ultra flat, wide-bandwidth condenser mic designed to provide the proper response for Slate Digital’s physical modeling mic plug-ins

The Slate Digital VMS ML-1 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that’s an essential component of the Slate Virtual Microphone System. Slate VMS is a microphone modeling system that gives you the authentic sound of several world-class vintage and modern mics that continue to define the sound of recorded music. Unfortunately for most, these mics remain out of reach in both availability and cost. An extremely high-definition mic with a flat frequency response and ultra-wide, linear bandwidth, the ML-1 is designed to act as a transparent conduit from sound source through the Slate mic and preamp models and onto your tracks, live and in person. Combined with the Slate Digital tube microphone modeling software, it can sound like the most classic microphones in recording history. With its ability to assume the identity of classic high-end mics, you can have access to a mic collection that would cost somewhere in the high six figures.

Slate Digital VMS ML-1 – Just the Facts:

• Ultra flat and linear, large-diaphragm condenser mic
• Gold-sputtered, 6-micron capsule
• state-of-the-art FET circuit path ensures “blank canvas” response for microphone models
• An excellent mic in its own right for true-to-source recordings
• Includes Classic Tubes 1 & 2 and Virtual Preamp Collection

Slate Digital VMS ML-1 – Behind the Grille

If you recall the first attempt to model microphones, it was by a company whose name rhymes with, “Aunt Fairies.” The claim was that the software could make any mic sound like a vintage condenser, even an SM58. As it turned out, all that it did was offer more of an EQed veneer rather than an actual emulation. What the software couldn’t make up for was the polar and transient response of a condenser mic. The larger and heavier diaphragm of a dynamic mic has more inertia to overcome than the light and highly compliant diaphragm of a condenser. Since the dynamic mic’s diaphragm isn’t as fast in its response to transients, some information is inevitably lost. A software model can’t act on information that isn’t there.

The secret of the Slate Virtual Microphone System is that it’s a perfect fusion of hardware and software modeling, beginning with the ML-1 is the all-important first link of your signal chain. The ML-1 is designed to accurately reproduce the response of the classic tube condensers, precisely replicating the classic cardioid polar pickup pattern of vintage mics. In essence, it captures a sound source as accurately as possible while still maintaining the capsule response of the actual mics it’s meant to model. This, in turn, enables the software models to accurately reproduce the sound of the mics in not just timbre, but in physical behavior as well.

Virtual Preamp Collection and Classic Tubes 1 & 2 

When purchased separately, the ML-2 comes with the Virtual Preamps Collection, which features two studio classics, plus eight meticulously modeled microphones taken from the mic locker of world-class NRG Studios. 

Virtual Preamp Collection

FG-73 – The FG-73 preamp module is modeled after one of the most famous discrete solid state preamps in the industry (rhymes with sleve), made in Britain and used on countless recordings. It has a bold, present and warm sound that works great on any audio source and even full mixes.

FG-76 – The FG-76 preamp module is modeled after a vintage German tube preamp that has been used on many classic recordings. It has a thick and colorful tone that can make tracks and mixes sound more “alive.” The bottom-end saturates in a very unique and musical way, making it a great module for bass guitar and kick drum tracks.

Classic Tubes 1

FG-47 – The FG-47 recreates the sound of one of the most famous vintage tube microphones in the history of audio. It has a thick and full-bodied low end, rich and present midrange, and smooth top end. This microphone sounds great on thick lead vocals, but also sounds incredible as a kick drum mic, room mic, guitar mic, and on horns and strings.

FG-800 – The FG-800 recreates the sound of one of the most popular modern tube mics, known for being the go-to choice for pop and hip hop vocalists. It’s extremely bright and airy, but with a warm bottom end. Using this mic on vocals will give you an instant polished “pop” sound. However, this mic also sounds great on overheads and acoustic guitar.

FG-251 – The FG-251 recreates the sound of one of the most sought-after vintage tube mics in the industry. It’s one of the most in-demand lead vocal mics on the planet, known for being crisp, warm and flattering on a variety of voices. The FG-251 also sounds great on drums, guitars, acoustics, and just about anything else you put it on.

Classic Tubes 2

FG-67 – The FG-67 emulates a vintage German classic known for being slightly dark, bold and thick. This mic is amazing on vocals, rooms, horns and piano, and it’s one of Steven’s favorite on toms.

FG-12 – The FG-12 emulates an Austrian classic known for being incredibly smooth and rich- sounding. We chose an absolutely incredible version of this mic to model – it’s the perfect representation of this famous tone.

FG-M7 – The FG-M7 takes one of the most famous dynamic vocal mics used in the studio by artists like Michael Jackson and adds the tube stage of the classic 47, making it extremely punchy and crisp, with incredible mids that cut through the mix.

FG-800M – The FG-800M emulates an older Japanese tube mic, and is slightly fatter and darker than the stock FG-800. If you love the FG-800 but wish it was a tad less sibilant and bright.

FG-269 – The FG-269 emulates an extremely rare German classic that shares much of the same circuit as the U67, but with a different tube that makes it more open and clear. This is one of the best-sounding vocal mics you’ll ever hear.

*All mic and preamp models mentioned are registered trademarks of their manufacturers

Slate Digital ML-1 Includes:

• Case
• Shockmount
• Classic tubes software card and VPC software card

If you’re tired of pressing your nose up against the candy store/control room glass longing for the gear that only a select few get to own, the Slate Digital ML-1 and Virtual Mic System grants you entrance to that rarified world. 

System Requirements

Minimum system requirements

• Quad Core i5 Processor
• 4GB of RAM
• Mac OS X 10.7 or Later
• Windows 7 and above
• 
  

Recommended system requirements:

• Quad Core i7 processor
• 8GB of RAM
• Mac OS X 10.9 or later
• Windows 7 and above

Supported plug-in formats:

• Intel Mac 32-bit: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX
• Intel Mac 64-bit: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX
• Windows 32-bit: VST2, VST3, AAX
• Windows 64-bit: VST2, VST3, AAX